Salem Tavern

Reviews

• Ian W.

  star star star star star 12 June 2026

  Don't judge a place by its looks and sounds.
  
  After driving around Vermont for much of the day, I decided to head over to Salem, NY for dinner. There are a few places to eat in this small town and I saw that the Salem Tavern (Food sign underneath) looked busy with vehicles parked along the street nearby. I said to myself why not?  I walked past a few smokers outside upon entering this local watering hole through the bar, which was very loud and busy inside. I saw that all of the patrons were enjoying frosty beverages, but no food in the bar and I thought, did they stop serving food? However, I looked to the left and there was another door to a separate dining room, which was not busy at all with several tables. I looked over the specials (Prime Rib, Fish & Chips, Soup of the Day, Chimichangas) posted on the wall. The waitress entered the dining room and said I could sit anywhere I'd like and was given a menu.
  
  The menu offerings include appetizers (fried foods, nachos, shrimp cocktail, steamed clams), salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, quesadillas, steak, chicken tenders, fried seafood (clams, scallops, shrimp, haddock), prime rib, pizzas, calzones, and kids menu (add $2 for adult-light eater). Sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and most dinners served with fries. They serve Pepsi products and offer beer (bottles or tap) and wine from the bar. Most entrees priced $7.95-$13.95, prime rib dinner and 12 oz strip steak are $19.95.
  
  I started out with Grilled Chicken Nachos ($9.95) which came out nice and hot. These nachos were very generous in size with round crispy salted tortilla chips (Tostitos) topped with tomatoes, peppers, onions, black olives, jalapenos, soft marinated grilled chicken, melted Monterey Jack cheese, mild salsa and sour cream on the side.
  
  For dinner, I decided on the Haddock Fish & Chips Special ($9.95) served with choice of fries or onion rings (I chose handcut fries) and cole slaw, tartar sauce on the side. The fresh haddock was breaded and deep fried golden and crispy. The handcut fries were very good, softer texture. The cole slaw was crisp and tangy. There was so much food I ordered that I asked for a to go box ahead of time. The check total for 1 appetizer, 1 dinner with leftover food and an ice water was $21.29 with tax and before tip.
  
  Overall, the dinner I had in the restaurant and to go for later on was very good and tasty. The value and quality for the price paid was very reasonable. The service was prompt and courteous. Though the loud noises from the bar in the next room can be heard, I would still recommend the Salem Tavern for solid good pub fare at very reasonable prices.

• Wendy O.

  star star star star star_border 23 May 2026

  Definitely a local favorite-not many options available on Rte. 22 in this area but glad we stopped. Had a delicious lunch-good portions- friendly server. Sandwiches were satisfying but the specials looked delicious as well. What more could you ask for?